'There has been a lapse, maybe on my part': Manu Bhaker clarifies on Khel Ratna nomination amid controversy

Paris Olympics' double bronze medallist Manu Bhaker acknowledged on Tuesday a possible oversight on her part in filing nominations for the prestigious Khel Ratna award, reported PTI. Her clarification comes amid widespread criticism over her exclusion from this year’s National Sports Awards list.

In a social media post, the 22-year-old pistol shooter addressed the issue, stating, “With regards to the ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award — I would like to state that as an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country. I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected."

Bhaker emphasised that while awards inspire her, they are not her primary focus. "Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my goal. Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this,” she added.


The controversy erupted a day earlier when the sports ministry intervened after the awards selection committee excluded her name. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, and her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, expressed their disappointment, criticising the ministry and the committee for disregarding her achievements.

Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics as the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition. She secured bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

(With inputs from PTI)